civilized

adjective

civ·​i·​lized ˈsi-və-ˌlīzd 

: characteristic of a state of civilization

civilized society

especially : characterized by taste, refinement, or restraint

Synonyms of civilized

• cultured
• polished
• accomplished

Examples of civilized in a Sentence

A civilized society must respond to crime with fairness and justice.

Stop yelling. We have to be more civilized about this.

Try to act like a civilized human being!

a civilized way to spend the evening

Recent Examples on the Web

Denying them those opportunities in an attempt to punish their parents should be abhorrent to any civilized nation. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026

The best actor nominee isn’t the only one noticing a significant change on the red carpet this season — though some events, like the annual VF Oscar Party, have always been more civilized than others. —Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 12 Mar. 2026

Both expect their rivalry to stay civilized. —Pien Huang, NPR, 17 Feb. 2026

And that was the one that ended up being a really civilized breakup. —Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing civilized

• civilized world
• hyper-civilized
• ultra-civilized

Rhymes for civilized

• acclimatized
• actualized
• aerosolized
• alphabetized
• aluminized
• anaesthetized
• anesthetized
• annualized
• antagonized
• apologised
• apologized
• capitalised